Yoo Ah-in, born Uhm Hong-sik on October 6, 1986, in Daegu, South Korea, is a renowned actor known for his diverse roles in film and television. The youngest of three siblings, Yoo began his career in 2003 with a TV commercial and quickly gained recognition for his role in the teen series Sharp. Despite initial success, he took a break to reflect on his career, eventually returning with a renewed focus on serious acting.
Creative Pursuits of Yoo Ah-in
Beyond acting, Yoo Ah-in has made significant contributions to the arts. He managed Studio Concrete, an art gallery in Hannam-dong, and was an investor and business partner in TMI, a healthy fried food restaurant in Itaewon. Yoo also ventured into writing, serving as the chief editor of Tom Paper and contributing columns to various magazines. His writing was praised by the Seoul Poets Association for its clarity and authenticity, contrasting with the glamorous life of an actor.
Military Exemption of Yoo Ah-in
In 2017, Yoo revealed that he had a benign bone tumor, which led to his exemption from mandatory military service after multiple medical examinations. The condition was described as non-cancerous and had minimal impact on his daily life.
Drug-Related Controversies
Yoo Ah-in’s career faced a significant setback in early 2023 when he was investigated for drug use. On February 8, the police questioned him regarding the illegal use of propofol, and searches were conducted at various clinics suspected of administering the drug to him. Though Yoo tested positive for marijuana, subsequent tests showed a positive result for propofol and traces of cocaine and ketamine. On September 3, 2024, Yoo was sentenced to one year in prison for habitual drug abuse and fined ₩2 million. The scandal led to his removal from the second season of the popular series Hellbound, with actor Kim Sung-cheol replacing him. The controversy also impacted his upcoming projects, including The Match, Hi.5, and Goodbye Earth.
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